Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot earlier this week during a scheduled appearance at Utah Valley University, sending shockwaves through both the campus and his supporters around the globe. The incident occurred at the very first stop of Kirk’s planned 14-campus tour for the fall. Witnesses stated that the shooting took place shortly after Kirk was asked a question concerning mass shootings by transgender individuals. A video that has since circulated online shows a bullet striking his neck, leading to a severe injury that caused his immediate collapse on stage. Kirk succumbed to the wound, leaving viewers stunned. Tributes poured in from everywhere following the news, with figures across political and social spheres sharing messages of condolences. Among them was 25-year-old Indian cricketer Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar. Arjun, who does not post frequently on social media, took to Instagram to share his grief. “RIP @CHARLIEKIRK,” the pacer wrote on his account, adding teary-eyed emojis to convey his sadness at the incident.
Arjun Tendulkar’s Instagram story after Charlie Kirk’s murder (Screengrab)
The young all-rounder has been in the news recently for his return to cricket after a seven-month break. Earlier last month, he announced his engagement to Saaniya Chandok and marked his comeback on the field in style. Arjun revealed that he struck with his very first delivery in competitive cricket and went on to claim a five-wicket haul in the same match, which was also his first of the season. Having started his senior career with Mumbai before moving to Goa, Arjun has featured in domestic cricket as well as the Indian Premier League, where he debuted in 2023 for Mumbai Indians. With a century and two half-centuries in first-class cricket to his name along with 37 wickets in 17 matches, he is still shaping his career at 25.
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What impact do you think Charlie Kirk’s death will have on political activism?
As tributes continue to flow for Charlie Kirk, Arjun’s message reflects the global reach of the activist’s influence and the widespread shock following his murder.
